Handwara, June 03: The Indian Army in collaboration with the Kupwara administration organised a mega education festival “Edu-Fest 2023” at Government Boys Higher Secondary School Handwara to provide counseling and guidance to students and parents in the district regarding their career choices and admissions to higher educational institutions.
Edu-Fest 2023 served as a platform for students from North Kashmir to explore various career options and learn about admission processes in leading colleges and universities across the country. Over 20 colleges from Punjab, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Bangalore, and Dehradun participated in the event, offering career counseling and showcasing the courses they offered. Additionally, these colleges provided scholarships to deserving students who had successfully cleared their 12th-grade exams and were seeking higher education opportunities in different fields.
The event received an overwhelming response from the residents of North Kashmir, particularly Kupwara district. Students from Handwara, Rajwar, Qaziabad, Rafiabad, Sopore, and other parts of North Kashmir enthusiastically participated in the festival. Hundreds of students and their parents availed themselves of the opportunity to receive career guidance and explore a wide range of career options.
The chief guest on the occasion was Irfan Sultan Panditpori, Chairman of the District Development Council (DDC), while Dr. Doifode Sagar Dattatray, Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara, graced the event as the guest of honor. The festival was also attended by distinguished personalities including Brigadier Vikrant Patil from 7 Sector, Brigadier Vikrant Patil, DDC Member Mawar Khurshid Ahmad Dar, Chairman Handwara Municipality Masroor Banday, Commanding Officer (CO) 30 RR Colonel Ankur Panday, CEO Kupwara A.H. Fani, Principal of Government Boys Higher Secondary School Handwara Mohammad Rafiq Mir, heads of various consultancies, and other concerned officers.
In his address, Chairman DDC Council Kupwara, Irfan Sultan Panditpori, expressed gratitude to the Indian Army and the district administration for organising “such a significant” student counseling festival in the district. He emphasised the need for more such festivals to benefit the students in this border district and urged the student community to take full advantage of such programs.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Dr Doifode Sagar Dattatray, advised students to consider their interests, personalities, and choices while selecting their courses and careers, saying this phase of life is crucial for their future. He encouraged students to seek guidance from mentors, be it their teachers or parents, and follow their advice.
Brigadier Vikrant Patil passionately highlighted the importance of Edu-Fest as a catalyst for shaping the aspirations of young minds in Kashmir. This was the second time that the Indian Army organised the Edu-Fest, which had proven to be an essential platform for students to make informed decisions about their educational journeys.
